Collapsible container

ABSTRACT

A collapsible container in which the doors at opposite ends provide rigidity for the structure. Opposed walls of the container are hinged to fold inwardly between the other walls, the doors folding back against the outside of the structure. In the erected position the doors have plug portions which fit closely into the ends of the box structure and maintain the alignment and rigidity of the walls. The hinges used in the structure are sealed on both sides to make the container weatherproof.

United States Patent 1191 Rana Aug. 14, 1973 54 I 1 COLLAPSE CONTAINERFOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS [751 Invent Sudhi' De! Man Callf-172,311 12/1921 Great Britain 217/14 [73] Assignee: Flexogenlcs, Inc.,Solana Beach,

Calif. Primary Examiner--George E. Lowrance [22] Filed: M 1971Attorney-Carl R. Brown and Ned F. Martm [21] Appl. No.: 123,952 57ABSTRACT A collapsible container in which the doors at opposite 22115.81. 220/6, 217/14, 217/46 ends provide rigidity for the stmcmmOpposed walls [58] Fig 865d 7/26, B6'5d 9/14 of the container are hingedto fold inwardly between t 1 d 0 Search 217/14 220/6 the other walls,the doors folding back against the out- 220/ 1.5, 7, 31 S, 24 H, 137side of the structure. In the erected position the doors have plugportions which fit closely into the ends of the [56] References Citedbox structure and maintain the alignment and rigidity UNITED STATESPATENTS of the walls. The hinges used in the structure are sealed2,972,430 2/1961 Johnson 220/15 on both sides to make the containerweatherproof. 2,504,635 4/1950 Bradley 16/137 2,242,421 5/1941 Dodge220/24 H 10 Claims 9 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 14, 1973 2Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. SUDHIR N. RANA Fioo I00 98 I 84 1 90A 88A I I02)6 9 LI @w lm m ATTORNEYS COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION Shipping containers, especially large types, require a largeamount of storage space when not in use. Many different structures havebeen devised to allow such containers to be collapsed or taken apart forstorage. Most of the structures are heavy and use many fastening devicesfor holding the parts together, the procedure of dismantling orassembling a large container, being time consuming and usually requiringseveral people to handle the parts. In outdoor use, all joints must besealed if the contents are to be protected, and the seals and fasteningmeans often wear out rapidly due to repeated use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The container described herein is an integralstructure requiring no separate fastening or clamping means, or specialseals, to make a rigid weatherproof enclosure. In its basic box form,two opposed sides or walls of the structure are hinged to fold doubleinwardly between the other sides or walls, the ends comprising doorswhich fold back against the outside of the collapsed structure. Thedoors have protruding plug portions which, in the erected position ofthe container, fit closely into the ends and support the walls in rigidalignment. Conventional locks or other fasteners may be used to hold thedoors closed, no special supports, clamps, or the like being needed tomaintain the structural integrity.

To make the container weatherproof, the hinges are sealed on both sides,the seals extending the full length of the hinged joints and makingadditional sealing means unnecessary. The container can be made in awide range of sizes and configurations and, except for very large types,can be erected or collapsed by one person, without tools and in aminimum of time.

The primary object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a new andimproved collapsible container.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and improvedcollapsible container in which the doors are primary supportingelements, which hold the structure rigid.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and improvedcollapsible container which can be erected and collapsed without toolsor separate fastening means.

It is another object of this invention to provide a new and improvedcollapsible container in which the hinged joints have integral seals tomake the joints weatherproof.

Other objects and many advantages of this invention will become moreapparent upon a reading of the following detailed description and anexamination of the drawings wherein like reference numerals designatelike parts throughout and in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of the basic container.

FIG 2 is a side elevation view of the container, partially cut away.

FIG. 3 is an end view of the container in collapsed condition.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 4-4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is similar to a portion of FIG. 6,but shows a seal at the door.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a folding join t, showing means forlocking the joint in erect position before the doors are closed.

FIG. 9 is an end view of an alternative container, showing the foldingaction of the sides.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the basic form shown inFIGS. 1 3, the container 10 is a simple rectangular box with side walls12 and 14, a top panel 16, bottom panel 18 and end doors 20 and 22. Sidewalls 12 extend below the bottom panel and have reinforced feet 24, withopenings 26 between the feet to receive the prongs of a fork lift truck,or similar handling apparatus.

The top panel 16 is divided along its longitudinal center line into twopanel portions 16A and 168, which are joined by outside hinges 28 tofold downwardly. Panel 16A is joined to the top of side wall 12 byinside hinge 30, and panel 168 is joined to the top of side wall I4 byinside hinges 32, to swing downwardly inside the side walls. Bottompanel 18 is divided longitudinally into panel portions 18A and 18B,which are joined by outside hinges 34. Panel 18A is joined to the lowerportion of side wall 12 by inside hinges 36 and panel 188 is joined tothe lower portion of side wall 14 by inside hinges 38, so that the lowerpanel folds upwardly between the side walls. The hinges may becontinuous piano hinges or suitably spaced individual hinges, dependingon the size of the container and the expected loads.

Each of the doors 20 and 22 is attached to one side wall by hinges 40,to swing outwardly and back along the outside of the wall. The doors maybe attached to opposite side walls, or to the same one if the length ofthe container is sufficient for both doors to fold flat against the oneside. On the inner face of each door is a projecting plug 42, which fitsclosely into the end opening of the container box and provides a rigidstructural connection between the side walls and top and bottom panels.It is this plug structure which gives the container its rigidity,without the need for special braces or fasteners. As shown, the plug 42is a unitary panel member slightly smaller than the door, but could be abuilt up frame to minimize weight, particularly in large containers.Spaced below and parallel to the lower edge of plug 42 is a retainingbar 44, the channel 46 between the plug and retaining bar being a closefit for the end of bottom panel 18. Retaining bar 44 thus prevents thefloor panel from saggingunder load. Any suitable latches or lockingmeans, not shown, may be used to hold the doors closed.

To make the container weatherproof for all purpose shipment of goods,the hinged joints are sealed as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. Hinges 28are covered by an inner membrane 48 and an outer membrane 50 of rubber,plastic, or the like. A suitable adhesive or sealant may be used tosecure the inner membrane 48 to the hinges and to the panels 16A and168, the hinges being structurally secured by rivets 52 through thepanels. Outer membrane 50 is adhered over the hinges 28 and extendsbeyond the hinges onto the panel surfaces. The membranes extend for thefull length of the joint to form a complete seal. Other fastening meansmay be used instead of the rivets shown, and may extend through theouter membrane if necessary. The junction of panels 16A and 16B isillustrated as a lap joint 54, and a recessed channel 56 is left belowthe center of hinges 28 to provide clearance for a slack loop portion 58of inner membrane 48. The loop portion accommodates the motion of thehinge during folding, as indicated in the broken line position in FIG.4. The sealing of hinges 34 is not shown in detail, but is similar inall respects to that of hinges 28.

Hinges 30 are sealed in a similar manner by an inner membrane 60 and anouter membrane 62, the inner membrane having a loop portion 64 .which iscontained in a channel 66 in panel 16A. The hinge structure is shown asbeing recessed in the panel members, but could be surface mounted ifnecessary. Hinges 32, 36 and 38 are similar in all respects to hinges30, and the corresponding parts are similarly numbered in FIGS. 4 and S.

The door hinges 40 may be sealed in a similar manner, or the entireperiphery of the door may be sealed by a compressible seal 68, seatingin a channel 70, as in FIG. 7.

To assist in erecting the container and to provide support for thefoldable panels while loading and unloading with one or both doors open,simple locking means may be used as shown in FIG. 8. The structure isapplicable to the top or bottom foldable panels, represented by typicalpanels 72A and 728. A channel member 74 is inset in the edge of panel72A and contains a sliding bolt 76, which is actuated by a pin 78projecting through a slot 80. To lock the panels in planar alignment,the bolt 76 is extended into a channel member 82 inset in panel 728.This arrangement will add support to the bottom panel and will preventthe top panel from sagging when the door is being closed.

As an alternative to the top and bottom folding, the container may bemade with folding sides, as in FIG. 9, which may be more desirable forsome purposes. In this structure, the top panel 84 and bottom panel 86are rigid and side walls 88 and 90 are foldable. Side wall 88 iscomposed of two panel elements 88A and 88B joined by a hinge 92, panelelement 88A being connected to top panel 84 by a hinge 94, and panelelement 88B being connected to bottom panel 86 by a hinge 96. Side wall90 is similarly composed of panel elements 90A and. 90B joined by ahinge 98, the panel element 90A being connected to top panel 84 by ahinge 100, and panel element 908 being connected to bottom panel 86 by ahinge 102. In the erected position indicated in broken line, the lockingmeans shown in FIG. 8 may be used to stabilize the side walls. The sidewalls fold inwardly, as in the full line position, so that the containercollapses downwardly. In this form the doors 104 are attached to toppanel 84 by hinges 106 to fold upwardly and back on the top of thecollapsed structure. Each door has a plug 108 to fit into and supportthe erected structure, as in container 10.

In any form of the container, reinforcing may be applied as needed, suchas metal straps 110 indicated in broken line in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and S.The straps may be inside or outside the container and, for maximumstrength, are tied to the hinges by the rivets 52 or other fasteners.

It should be understood that the term container is used in its broadestsense and is not intended to be limited to storage and protection ofgoods in shipment. Other uses could include a portable shelter forpeopie or pets, a shed or a garage. In some instances, particularly inthe latter, the top panel could be inclined for water runoff, the hingedjoints of the folding panels being suitably offset to fold correctly.With the fully sealed hinges, and proper sealing around the doors thecontainer is capable of maintaining a reasonable interior to exteriorpressure differential when necessary. The materials used in theconstruction will depend on the size and intended use.

Having described my invention, I now claim.

1. A collapsible container, comprising:

a box-like structure having opposed walls hinged to fold inwardlybetween the other walls;

doors hinged to the ends of said structure, said doors each having aplug fitting closely into the respective end of the structure andproviding a rigid support between the walls, said opposed walls eachcomprises a pair of panel elements with a connecting hinge therebetween,the outer edges of said panel elements having hinged connections to saidother walls parallel to said connecting hinge,

all of said hinges have weatherproof sealing therein,

said sealing means includes an inner membrane and an outer membraneenclosing each hinge for the full length of the hinged connection, andeach of said inner membranes has a loop portion extending the fulllength of the hinged connection, the adjacent structure having a channelto contain said loop portion.

2. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said doors arehinged to said other walls to swing back against the outside thereof.

3. A collapsible container according to claim I, wherein said box-likestructure has side walls, a top wall panel and a bottom wall panel;

said side walls having feet extending below said bottom wall panel, withopenings between the feet.

4. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said box-likestructure has side walls, a top wall panel and a bottom wall panel;

said top and bottom walls panels being hinged to fold downwardly andupwardly, respectively, between the side walls.

5. A collapsible container according to claim 4, wherein said side wallsare rigid, and said doors are hinged to the side walls.

6. A collapsible container according to claim 5, wherein each of saiddoors has a retaining bar spaced below said plug and defining a channeltherebetween to receive and support the end of said bottom panel.

7. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said box-likestructure has side walls, a top wall panel and a bottom wall panel;

said top and bottom wall panels being rigid and said side walls beinghinged to fold inwardly therebetween.

8. A collapsible container according to claim 7, wherein said doors arehinged to said top wall panel to swing upwardly and back against the topwall panel.

9. A collapsible container according to claim 1, and including lockingmeans on the ends of said panel elements at the hinged connectionthereof for holding the panel elements in planar alignment.

10. A collapsible container according to claim I, and including sealingmeans around the periphery of each of said doors.

means

1. A collapsible container, comprising: a box-like structure havingopposed walls hinged to fold inwardly between the other walls; doorshinged to the ends of said structure, said doors each having a plugfitting closely into the respective end of the structure and providing arigid support between the walls, said opposed walls each comprises apair of panel elements with a connecting hinge therebetween, the outeredges of said panel elements having hinged connections to said otherwalls parallel to said connecting hinge, all of said hinges haveweatherproof sealing means therein, said sealing means includes an innermembrane and an outer membrane enclosing each hinge for the full lengthof the hinged connection, and each of said inner membranes has a loopportion extending the full length of the hinged connection, the adjacentstructure having a channel to contain said loop portion.
 2. Acollapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said doors arehinged to said other walls to swing back against the outside thereof. 3.A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein said box-likestructure has side walls, a top wall panel and a bottom wall panel; saidside walls having feet extending below said bottom wall panel, withopenings between the feet.
 4. A collapsible container according to claim1, wherein said box-like structure has side walls, a top wall panel anda bottom wall panel; said top and bottom walls panels being hinged tofold downwardly and upwardly, respectively, between the side walls.
 5. Acollapsible container according to claim 4, wherein said side walls arerigid, and said doors are hinged to the side walls.
 6. A collapsiblecontainer according to claim 5, wherein each of said doors has aretaining bar spaced below said plug and defining a channel therebetweento receive and support the end of said bottom panel.
 7. A collapsiblecontainer according to claim 1, wherein said box-like structure has sidewalls, a top wall panel and a bottom wall panel; said top and bottomwall panels being rigid and said side walls being hinged to foldinwardly therebetween.
 8. A collapsible container according to claim 7,wherein said doors are hinged to said top wall panel to swing upwardlyand back against the top wall panel.
 9. A collapsible containeraccording to claim 1, and including locking means on the ends of saidpanel elements at the hinged connection thereof for holding the panelelements in planar alignment.
 10. A collapsible container according toclaim 1, and including sealing means around the periphery of each ofsaid doors.